http://www.npcn.net/index.php/site/index/ en jproctor@defenders.org Copyright 2010 2010-04-13T17:27:15+00:00 http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/welcome_to_the_northern_plains_conservation_network/ http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/welcome_to_the_northern_plains_conservation_network/#When:22:27:19Z We are preparing to launch a revamp of our website. Please check back! 2010-03-16T22:27:19+00:00 http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/support_a_future_for_wild_bison_in_montana/ http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/support_a_future_for_wild_bison_in_montana/#When:17:27:15Z Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is conducting a survey of Montanans to gauge support for wild, free ranging bison herds in the state. If you are a Montana citizen, click here to make your voice heard in favor of bringing back wild bison. 2010-04-13T17:27:15+00:00 http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/new_guidelines_on_bison_status_published_by_iucn/ http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/new_guidelines_on_bison_status_published_by_iucn/#When:18:12:12Z A new publication by IUCN, American Bison: Status Survey and Conservation Guidelines 2010, reports on the current status of American bison, in the wild and in conservation herds, and makes recommendations on how to ensure that the species is conserved for the future.  Learn more here. “The next 10 to 20 years could be extremely significant for restoring wild populations of American bison to their original roaming grounds. But for this to happen, more land must be made available for herds to roam free, government policies must be updated and the public must change its attitude towards bison.” 2010-03-19T18:12:12+00:00 http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/badlands_conata_basin/ http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/badlands_conata_basin/#When:23:23:15Z For more information, please contact: Conservation Alliance of the Great Plains, P.O. Box 22809, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68542-2809 Anchored by Badlands National Park, Buffalo Gap National Grassland, and Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, this site covers approximately 2.8 million acres or 1.1 million hectares.  The area contains the most successful black-footed ferret recovery site, expansive complexes of prairie dog towns, and the potential for the restoration of tens of thousands of bison.  The recently-reintroduced swift fox is of particular interest because it demonstrates the potential for ecosystem restoration at the site. Conata Basin is a broad depression extending south of the national park.  Although largely grazed by cattle, the area also supports a good population of black-tailed prairie dogs. You can get a good overview of the scenery by viewing these beautiful photos of Wind Cave and Badlands National Parks.   BADLANDS / CONATA BASIN (SD) Jurisdiction Acres Hectares Federal BLM 3,000 1,000 Tribal 898,000 363,000 U.S. Forest Service 368,000 149,000 National Park Service 148,000 60,000 State 28,000 11,000 Private 1,386,000 561,000 Private reserve 600 200 Other federal 112 45 Total area 2,831,000 1,146,000 Description This area brings a dramatic contrast in scenery as the rolling prairies, rugged badlands topography, islands o ponderosa pine and small prairie rivers create a rich mosaic of habitats. Badlands National Park is currently the most visited area within the site.  The park has a visitor center and several trails on the east half of the North Unit, but many outdoors people choose to hike among the bison in the Sage Creek Wilderness Area in the west half of the North Unit.  The National Grassland Visitor Center in Wall, SD, operated by the U.S. Forest Service, describes and promotes the prairie ecosystem, as well as the Forest Service’s role in conserving it.  Further to the west, the Black Hills themselves are a favorite tourist destination, filled with every imaginable kind of recreational facility, from tacky to profound. Conservation strengths Landscape The site has a rich diversity of habitats ranging from rolling mixed-grass prairie, barren and rugged badlands topography, cottonwood lined prairie rivers, woody draws of elm and ash, pockets of juniper on the north slopes, and islands of ponderosa pine forest.  All these habitats are generally distributed throughout the site, creating a rich landscape mosaic that lends itself well to the conservation of many species and quality outdoor experiences.  Both Wind Cave and Jewel Cave give tours into the rarest landform in North America - caves, while on the surface, elk and other wildlife graze on fescue grassland. Vegetation - Generally excellent condition.  However, fire has been suppressed on many of the lands and exotic plants are an issue in some places, especially where disturbance has occurred.  Most livestock grazing is at levels that maximize production, so the area doesn’t have the diversity of grazing pressures and seral stages that it would naturally. Wildlife - Good variety, with free-ranging bison in Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park.  Prairie dogs are keystone species and can still be found, especially on protected lands.  Elk are found in the Black Hills, with a few venturing into the prairie.  Bighorn sheep, swift fox and black-footed ferrets have all recently been reintroduced.  Mountain lions are just becoming established in the prairies, and are the top predator. Recreation opportunities Road access Interstate 90 skirts the north edge of this region.  Excellent access is available on asphalt roads from this highway.  Hiking Hiking is allowed on most public land in the region, with the Sage Creek Wilderness Area being a particularly remote area where one can experience free-ranging bison.  The Indian Creek area on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland is also remote and has excellent scenery.  The area is proposed for Wilderness designation.  (All hikers should definitely carry potable water with them since there is very little available on the prairie.) Cycling Short cycling trails have been designated in the Buffalo Gap National Grassland just south of Wall.  George S. Mickelson Trail (>100 miles) on an abandoned rail line for double-track cycling and hiking through the Black Hills. Horseback riding - Several guest ranches provide guided horse riding. Canoeing - There are a few navigable rivers that are best experienced in the spring. Wildlife viewing Interpretive facilities in the parks give a good introduction what may be seen in the area. A large number of geological sites have interpretive facilities, including some fossil mammoth excavations at Badlands National Park. Camping - Some private campgrounds in the area, as well as the park sites.  Camping is allowed throughout most of the National Grasslands. Winter activities Winter activities are very limited due to the cold temperatures, high winds, and limited snow cover.  However, wildlife viewing is still possible for those who brave the elements or visit during a warm spell. Cultural resources Native Americans - Wounded Knee and Stronghold Table are both significant cultural resources within the site.  Bear Butte, near Sturgis, is also important for Native Americans. Historic sites Several small settlements, nearly ghost towns, such as Scenic, SD, provide a glimpse of the history of the region. Hot Springs has a well-preserved historic district dramatically perched along the cliff above the river. Modern culture Historic Hot Springs brings the boom days of the nineteenth century to life.  Industrial intrusions Industry is not obvious in the region.  Small farms and tourist facilities are found along the main roads, but these are quite localized. Management Organizational resources Other supportive land managers Black Hills National Forest - RR #2, Box 200, Hwy 385 North, Custer, SD 57730 ph. (605) 673-2251 Badlands National Park, Interior, SD Political climate - Somewhat conservative, however the entire region is becoming economically oriented toward conservation and tourism, as ranching and farming continue to decline in importance. Current challenges - More work is needed to get local residents to embrace natural resource conservation and the tourism opportunities that come with it. 2010-03-18T23:23:15+00:00 http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/hole_in_the_wall/ http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/hole_in_the_wall/#When:23:22:09Z The Hole In The Wall, once a hideout for bandits such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, is now a refuge for prairie wildlife.  The wall of red sandstone has kept civilization at a distance, making this a prime area for grassland conservation. Overall, this site is approximately 2.7 million acres (1.1 million ha).  It has a high rating due to significant mountain plover habitat, significant prairie dog acreage, relatively intact grasslands, and large contiguous acreage under BLM management. Species of biological concern include the mountain plover, swift fox and black-tailed prairie dog.  Lark bunting is a focal species. Beautiful photos by Rob Yingling will show why the region is so exciting! The Willow Creek Ranch explains more about the history of the area. HOLE IN THE WALL (WY) Jurisdiction Acres Hectares Federal BLM 870,000 352,000 Tribal 9,000 4,000 U.S. Forest Service 175 71 State 279,000 113,000 Private 1,540,000 623,000 Total area 2,699,000 1,092,000 Recreation The region is excellent for horseback riding or hiking.  More details can be obtained from the Bureau of Land Management office in Buffalo, WY. 2010-03-18T23:22:09+00:00 http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/slim_buttes/ http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/slim_buttes/#When:23:22:05Z With 2.5 million acres (0.9 million hectares) of mixed public and private grassland, this site conserves outstanding habitat for ferruginous hawk and lark bunting.  Species of biological concern include piping plover and sage grouse. The Slim Butte unit of Custer National Forest could form the core of this region, with considerable state land nearby.  This thirty-mile (50 km) ridge has a narrow band of ponderosa pines, but the steep slopes quickly give way to relatively level grassland.  Deciduous trees prosper in the draws. SLIM BUTTE (SD) Jurisdiction Acres Hectares Federal BLM 53,000 22,000 U.S. Forest Service 71,000 29,000 State 334,000 135,000 Private 1,881,000 761,000 Total area 2,517,000 947,000   2010-03-18T23:22:05+00:00 http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/terry_badlands/ http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/terry_badlands/#When:23:21:46Z TERRY BADLANDS (MT) Jurisdiction Acres Hectares U.S. Forest Service 30,000 12,000 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 91 37 U.S. Department of Defense 82 33 State 928,000 376,000 Private 1,468,000 568,000 Total area 2,426,000 982,000 With over 2.4 million acres or 900,000 hectares, this site has vast intact grasslands and large populations of prairie dogs.  Species of biological concern are swift fox and sage grouse.  Focal species include ferruginous hawk, chestnut-collared longspur, and lark bunting.  To date, this site has received little attention from conservation organizations.   2010-03-18T23:21:46+00:00 http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/little_missouri/ http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/little_missouri/#When:23:21:15Z LITTLE MISSOURI (ND) Jurisdiction Acres Hectares Federal BLM 18,000 7,000 U.S. National Park Service 70,000 28,000 U.S. Forest Service 890,000 360,000 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 2,000 1,000 State 129,000 52,000 Private 2,755,000 1,115,000 Total area 3,864,000 1,563,000 Description These wild public lands include wind-swept plateaus, sheer canyons, and stark buttes rising from undulating seas of grass.  Here, eagles soar in an endless sky, pronghorn antelope stand watchful on the horizon while prairie dogs, mule and whitetail deer, sharp-tailed grouse and bighorn sheep remind us of the days when Lewis and Clark first journeyed through North Dakota.  A window to our past, the grasslands are a geologic treasure, with ancient fossils found throughout the region. Most public land in the region is managed by Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Little Missouri National Grassland. These lands are rich in history.  American Indians, cowboys, and homesteaders willingly embraced all that this harsh but alluring land had to offer.  Tragic battles took place here.  Important cultural and sacred sites, rock art, tipi rings and buffalo jumps are found across the landscape.  Failed homesteads sink back into the prairie soils Ð reminders of the grasslandÕs heritage. Theodore Roosevelt came to the Badlands in the 1880’s, a young New York politician broken by the tragic deaths of his wife and mother.  Seeking solace, he embraced the strenuous life of a cowhand, horseman, hunter and outdoorsman.  It was here in the midst of the Badlands that Roosevelt developed a deep and lasting bond with the land.  That bond fostered a conservation ethic that he carried throughout his presidency. Today, these breathtaking places stand wild and free.  Tomorrow they may not - unless we stand together to defend and protect them. Conservation strengths Landscape - spectacular badland topography Vegetation - mixed grass prairie, with green ash in valleys, and major stands of plains cottonwood along the river. Wildlife - bison, elk, bighorn sheep, wild horses (south unit), prairie dogs, rattlesnakes Recreation opportunities This site has more detailed information about recreation in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP). Road access -  The park is easily accessible by paved highway: the South Unit via Interstate 94 at Medora, and the North Unit off Hwy. 85 fifteen miles south of Watford City.  The Elkhorn Unit is accessible by gravel road from the east, south and west. Hwy 85 hugs the entire east side of the Little Missouri National Grasslands along its north-south axis.  The minor Hwy 16 does likewise through the portion west of the Little Missouri River.  Gravel roads offer access to the interior with East River Road of particular scenic note. Hiking - TRNP has over one hundred miles of well-maintained designated trails, much of it in Wilderness.  Backcountry camping is allowed and requires a permit. The Forest Service allows random hiking on public lands.  Private and public land is intermingled, so ownership should be determined.  USFS maps are available at District offices in Dickinson and Watford City and at the TRNP Visitor Center in Medora.  Of particular note is the 96-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail from Sully Creek State Park south of Medora to the FS ÒCCCÓ Campground just south of the North Unit of TRNP.  This world-class trail is open to mountain bikes, hikers, and equestrian travel. Cycling - Private bike rentals, repairs and a shuttle service are available in Medora. The Maah Daah Hey Trail is for serious “mountain” bikers, but frequent off-and-on points allow for a range of expertise.  Cycling in TRNP is limited to maintained roads which offer a diversity of scenic and wildlife opportunities.  Locally used gravel roads exist within Grassland boundaries. Horseback riding - Several commercial stables give guided horseback tours.  Increasing numbers of private establishments offer boarding and trails.  Check out ÒDakota West AdventuresÓ online for a variety of accommodations.  Further information is available at local and state tourist centers. Several public horse facilities are available, including both the North and South Units of TRNP, Sully Creek State Park, and multiple FS campgrounds along the Maah Daah Hey Trail.  Canoeing - A limited amount of canoeing or tubing can be done along the Little Missouri River.  Much of the river bottom is in private ownership so overnights must be planned accordingly.  Late spring and early summer is preferred, before the stream level gets too low.  Regional rains cause dramatic rise in the river in all seasons. Wildlife viewing - Bison, elk, bighorn sheep and prairie dog towns can be seen in the national park. They are also viewable in the grasslands but populations are dispersed.  Elk are present but limited on the Grasslands and bison are seen only as commercial livestock.  Mountain lion sightings are increasing, but uncommon.  Golden eagles, Baird sparrows, and a wide variety of migratory and grassland birds make for good watching.  Rattlesnakes inhabit the rougher terrain.  Butterflies abound.  Species of biological concern include the interior (least) tern, sage grouse and prairie dog.  Focal species include Baird’s sparrow, chestnut-collared longspur and lark bunting. Camping - Commercial campgrounds are operated in surrounding communities including Medora, Watford City and Grassy Butte.  Full service campgrounds are located in both the North and South Units of TRNP.  Sully Creek State Park is a primitive campground, as is Camel Hump Management Area just outside the Grasslands’ west boundary.  Multiple Forest Service facilities include:  CCC Camp, Sather Lake, Summit, Magpie, Bennett, Elkhorn, Wannagan, and Buffalo Gap. Historic sites - The area holds Theodore Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch and Maltese Cross Ranch sites.  His Maltese cabin may be seen at the TRNP Visitor Center in Medora.  Early open-range days are evident in the Chateau DeMores State Historic Site outside Medora and in the remaining chimney from the Marquis’ beef-processing plant.  Multiple campsites of the Custer and Sully expeditions are marked.  Native archeological and sacred sites are protected, but can be viewed with some local knowledge. Modern culture - Many small communities surrounding the Grasslands boast excellent local museums.  An open-air musical theatre in Medora attracts summer crowds.  Groundbreaking on a Cowboy Hall of Fame is slated for Medora in the summer of 2004. Management Organizational resources Lead agency - US Forest Service, Dakota Prairie Grasslands offices in Bismarck with Little Missouri Grasslands offices in Dickinson (Medora Ranger District) and Watford City (McKenzie Ranger District). Bureau of Land Management in Dickinson. North Dakota Game and Fish Department with offices in Bismarck, Dickinson and Williston. Theodore Roosevelt National Park administrative offices in Medora. Services Watford City at the north extent has small town full service capabilities, including an outdoor swimming pool. In the south, Bowman has similar services with the gateway village of Medora serving lesser tourist needs (no large grocery or auto repair, but plenty of gas, cafes and lodging).  Medora has an excellent bookstore with an extensive collection of local history and nature books.  Dickinson (30 miles east) is a small city with a notable dinosaur museum and Dickinson State University. Current challenges The Record of Decision (ROD) for the Dakota Prairie Grasslands Land and Management Plan was signed July 2002.  It is an interim ROD with the Grazing Portion of the Plan under special assessment by an appointed eight-member Scientific Review Team.  A two-year process is scheduled. Expansion of the Elkhorn Ranch Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park through acquisition of private ranch lands is under consideration.  Willing sellers approached the Park Service.  The State of North Dakota has intervened suggesting joint federal and state interest. Extensive oil and gas development threatens wild qualities and wildlife habitat.  There is potential concern that coalbed methane development in neighboring Montana and Wyoming may reach into this spectacular landscape, affecting traditional ranching practices, wildlife and recreation. 2010-03-18T23:21:15+00:00 http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/big_open/ http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/big_open/#When:23:20:09Z 2010-03-18T23:20:09+00:00 http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/montana_glaciated_plains/ http://www.npcn.net/index.php/pages/article/montana_glaciated_plains/#When:23:19:23Z GLACIATED PLAINS (MT) Jurisdiction Acres Hectares Federal BLM 1,280,000 518,000 Tribal 287,000 116,000 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Part of C.M. Russell N.W.R. 511,000 207,000 State 194,000 78,000 Private 1,271,000 514,000 Local government 82 33 Private preserves 31,000 13,000 Total area 3,573,000 1,446,000 Description The Glaciated Plains site stretches from the Milk River south to the Missouri River.  As the name suggests, ancient glaciers levelled the land by both planing off hills and filled in the valleys.  The resulting topography is quite level in comparison to landscapes farther south.  The Missouri River flows through a canyon carved by the enormous flows that coursed through the region during glacial times, when the runoff from Canada flowed here. The Fort Peck Dam on the Missouri River has created a reservoir extending over 130 miles west.  The million acres around this reservoir comprises the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, the UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge, and the UL Bend Wilderness Area. In the east, the landscape is mixed grassland on rolling coulees leading down to the reservoir.  To the west, the land gets steeper and forested, grading into the rugged Missouri Breaks.  For a more detailed look, a map of the national monument can be found at this non-government site. This area includes extensive prairie dog habitat, two reintroduction sites for black-footed ferrets, and significant populations of mountain plover and sage grouse.  This area covers 11 of the 22 focal species habitats.  Important ecological communities include Coniferous, Riparian-cottonwood, and Big Sage. Conservation strengths Landscape - Spectacular cliffs along the free-flowing river.  Click on Missouri Breaks to find commentary and excellent photos. Vegetation - good native vegetation with few introduced species.  Ponderosa Pine reaches the northeast limit of its range here. Wildlife - Well known for big game, including cougar, elk and bighorn sheep.  Audubon’s Bighorn sheep became extinct, but was replaced by Rocky Mountain Bighorns.  These are doing quite well, and a limited hunting season is held.  Popular for fishing, including some introduced species.  Several bird species, including white-throated swift, mountain plover and pinon jay, are at the northern edge of their range here. Recreation opportunities Road access - Good roads follow the perimeter, with one highway and one gravel road crossing through the area. A national scenic byway, suitable for cars in dry weather, goes on the south side of the Missouri from Winifred east to James Kipp State Park. Hiking - Hiking is allowed throughout.  Few, if any, formal trails, although the minor vehicle tracks would be pleasant to hike on. Cycling - No facilities for cycling at this time.  Good potential for intermediate mountain biking trails, using the existing dirt road network. Horseback riding - Allowed throughout the area, but no facilities or rentals available. Canoeing - Excellent and popular canoeing on the Missouri River between Fort Benton and the Hwy 191 crossing.  Registered as a National Wild and Scenic River. Wildlife viewing Species of biological concern include mountain plover, piping plover, sage grouse, black-footed ferret, sweift fox and black-tailed prairie dog.  Focal speces include ferruginous hawk, chestnut-collared longspur and lark bunting. Camping - About a dozen campsites available around the reservoir.  A potential backpacking route connects the five primitive campsites along the east end of the reservoir. Cultural resources Native Americans - The nearby Fort Belknap Indian Reservation (telephone 406 353-2205, ext. 470) gives guided tours of their land.  The traditional history of the landscape and some medicinal plants is explained.  Other highlights include a bison herd grazing on a prairie dog town where black-footed ferrets have been re-introduced. Historic sites Lewis and Clark followed the Missouri River through here.  The Nez Perce National Historic Trail crosses this area. A museum in the towers near the dam houses many fossils, including tyrannosaurus, from the Fort Peck area.  Another gallery explains the unique construction methods used to build the dam. Modern culture - The land is leased for grazing.  Services are confined to Highway 2, so ensure you have a full gas tank and sufficient water. Management issues Some conservation organizations have initiated a “grass banking” program, where nearby ranchers can use some of the group’s rangeland in exchange for implementing conservation activities on their own land. Industrial intrusions Organizational resources Lead agency - US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management Other supportive land managers Political climate Current challenges The national monument must be integrated into the BLM organizational structure, and its management adjusted to reflect its new designation. The Corps of Engineers is seeking ways to manage their dams to allow a more natural functioning of the river. Current recreational management stresses fishing and boating.  Land-based recreation has not received much attention, with the exception of big game hunting. 2010-03-18T23:19:23+00:00